Traveling with family means coordinating logistics, budgets, and safety considerations for multiple generations, including children who may qualify for special perks and discounts.
The number one rule when traveling with your family? Planning. When you plan ahead, you limit the amount of stress and worry you’ll feel with your children in tow. We’ve pulled together tips to creating a vacation environment that will encourage safe thinking in your children and relaxing days for you.
Research Travel Perks
Special boarding on flights
Many major airlines offer priority boarding for families with children under 2 years old, though policies vary by carrier. This will eliminate the stress of slowing down the line of passengers boarding.
Discounts for children under 12
Some airlines and cruises offer discounts for children under the age of 12, though age thresholds and discount amounts vary by provider. Work directly with the travel suppliers or with a travel agent to find the best deals available for trips with young children.
Free insurance for travelers under 17
Some providers offer free coverage for children under 17 when traveling with an insured adult (eligibility depends on the specific plan and provider). Coverage typically includes emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation if a child becomes ill, and baggage delay reimbursement for children’s necessities. You can browse InsureMyTrip quotes section to find the best travel insurance provider that will cover your whole family.
Prepare for Potential Delays
Extra clothes in carry-on luggage
An extra shirt and pair of pants in the hands of any teenage girl is a headache-saver for the parents. You’ll never need to worry about lost or embargoed luggage again.
Games/books to keep interest
Back in the day, travel boggle was always in the pocket of the station wagon driver’s seat. These days you need a ton of apps and a lots of books or magazines on a kindle. Connect your tech to the WIFI at the airport, and you are in the clear.
Snacks for everyone
Nothing is worse than being stuck on the tarmac with hungry, cranky children; except maybe dealing with cranky children when you yourself are getting a tad “hangry.” Keep your carry-on stocked with their favorite snacks, you’ll never regret it.
Know Your Destination
Plan excursions and activities
Whether you are cruising the Caribbean, trekking through Disney, or discovering the history in D.C., the last thing you want are morning arguments about what to do and where to go. Plan it out and stick to it. Plus you may be able to insure the cost of the activities if you plan in advance.
Check out the sitter services
If one or two of your children aren’t old enough to keep an eye on the others, be sure to research the babysitter services at your destination. Mom and Dad will definitely need at least one romantic night to themselves.
Map out expectations for kids
You want your kids to have fun, but more so, you want them to be safe. Go through with them at the start of the trip, and several times during, your expectations for their behavior. If you have clear guidelines with them, everyone will be more likely to have a fun, safe trip!
Give older kids emergency numbers
If you are able to equip your children with cell phones, program emergency numbers into their contacts before you let them go off alone. This could be your number, the hotel number, or the local police. Whichever number you choose, be sure to explain to your children what the contact is named and when to use it.
Quick Checklist for Family Travel
- Check airline family boarding policies before your flight.
- Ask about child discounts when booking packages.
- Compare travel insurance plans with free child coverage.
- Pack extra clothes and snacks in carry-on bags.
- Download entertainment apps before leaving home.
- Research babysitter services at your destination.
- Program emergency contacts into children’s phones.
- Review safety expectations with children before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do airlines offer family boarding?
Yes, many airlines offer priority boarding for families traveling with young children, typically under age 2. Policies vary by carrier, so check with your specific airline before traveling.
Is travel insurance free for children?
Some travel insurance providers offer free coverage for children under 17 when traveling with an insured adult. Coverage eligibility and benefits depend on the specific plan and provider.
What should I pack in my carry-on for kids?
Pack extra clothes, favorite snacks, entertainment such as books or tablets with downloaded apps, and any essential medications or comfort items.
Key Takeaway
Planning ahead and researching family-specific perks, including priority boarding, child discounts, and travel insurance with free child coverage, is the most effective way to reduce stress and protect your family during travel.
